Brazilian midfielder Lucas Paqueta has revealed he "always really liked" Manchester City while admitting regret over not joining the Premier League club, according to a report from City Xtra. The West Ham United playmaker reportedly turned down interest from Spanish giants Real Madrid and Barcelona in favor of a potential move to the Etihad Stadium.
Details surrounding the timeline of the transfer interest and the specific circumstances of Paqueta's decision remain limited. The 27-year-old has been a key figure for West Ham since his arrival from Lyon in 2022, attracting attention from Europe's elite clubs with his creative midfield performances.
Paqueta's comments suggest a strong personal preference for Manchester City's project under Pep Guardiola, though a transfer never materialized. The Brazilian international continues to represent West Ham in the Premier League while maintaining his status as a regular for the Brazil national team.
